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Why NetScout Systems, Inc. Shares Rallied

Is NetScout's pop meaningful? Or just another movement?

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of NetScout Systems,(NASDAQ:NTCT) jumped more than 14% Thursday after the company turned in solid fiscal third-quarter 2014 results.

So what: Adjusted quarterly revenue rose 20% year over year to $110.6 million, which translated to a 39% increase in non-GAAP net income to $0.50 per share. Meanwhile, analysts were looking for adjusted earnings of just $0.42 per share on sales of $102.87 million.

With one quarter remaining in its fiscal 2014, NetScout also narrowed its full-year guidance for adjusted revenue of $392 million to $395 million, with adjusted net income of $1.48 to $1.50 per diluted share. The midpoint of both ranges sits well above analysts' average expectations for fiscal 2014 earnings of $1.47 per share, with sales of $390.7 million.

Now what: This also marks NetScout's fourth-consecutive beat on both the top and bottom lines. But given the company's healthy revenue and earnings growth rates, shares still don't look terribly expensive trading around 22 times next year's estimated earnings. If NetScout can continue delivering solid results like this going forward, it should have little trouble justifying its premium to investors.

Author

As a technology and consumer goods specialist for the Fool, Steve looks for responsible businesses that positively shape our lives. Then he invests accordingly. Enjoy his work? Connect with him on Twitter & Facebook so you don't miss a thing.